Weekly Feature Articles

We all know the many differences between the ridiculous MC Hammer pants of the '90s, the outlandish spandex of the '80s and the famous - or infamous - bell bottoms of the disco age. Sometimes we choose to bust those items out of the closet and revisit the past a little. Some girls can even successfully merge modern attire with quirky styles of the past, rocking those aviators with snakeskin leather combinations that scream The Ramones.

It's safe to say that style often reveals a lot about your personality, giving true meaning to the phrase "wearing your heart on the sleeve." One can easily drop hints about their personal flair by implementing details from the past into their clothing scheme. Here are some great ways to do it.

Go your own way with the '70s. Groovy and modern all at once, this type of fancy footwear will never go out of style. Additionally, those who find the need to follow in the footsteps of Diana Ross and her discolicious predecessors can add a little volume to their hair, letting everyone know how eager they are to dance their way through life's travails.

Have the time of your life with the '80s. Although the mullet-ridden days of the Monster Metal groupies might be over, the punk look is still alive and well. If you're a dancer or on your way to the gym, it's acceptable to wear that pair of Dirty Dancing spandex - but that's as far as it should ever go. The last thing you want is to get lost in a flock of seagulls. Attire inspired by the '80s should give off an aura of sophistication, dropping the hint that you're not as simple as it seems.

Bust a move with the '90s. If you have a pair of baggy sweatpants that would put Aladdin to shame, or if you think Tupac is still alive and well, it's likely that the '90s is the era for you. In this case, there can never be enough flannel vests or ripped jeans in your closet. This was a versatile era in fashion, enabling ladies to either lie back and tell the world they don't care or spend the day playing with their hair.

Many say that history often repeats itself, especially through clothing. If you think you were meant for another decade, don't be afraid to let people know how you feel.

Now that summer festivities are on the horizon, it's time to bust out those spaghetti-strapped shirts and peep-toe sandals. Some people prefer the leisure of a sandy beach, while others choose to spend their time embarking on outdoor adventures in the rugged terrain of a mountain setting. Although it's possible to equally enjoy both, many girls out there have personalities that are better suited for one or the other. If you're unsure about which category you fall into, the only reliable way to find out is by hitting the open road this summer and experiencing a sample of both.

Of course, your preference for certain activities may be able to help you decide which locale will be more likely to let the good times roll.

Spending a night out on the town. If you're the type of girl who'd rather hop those bars and sing along when loud and obnoxious tunes are playing, the beach is most likely the place for you. Some of the best beach bars are located in some of the wildest venues in the world, providing enough fun to last a lifetime. Besides, the magical aura of a seaside resort presents plenty of opportunities to slather yourself with makeup and blinc Mascera in order to meet a special guy.

Enjoying a peaceful night under the stars. If you're more of an intellect who appreciates the quiet times with a special person, the mountains will definitely tickle your fancy. There's quite possibly nothing like having a deep and meaningful conversation under the pale moonlight, knowing that no one else is within earshot. The mountains provide just the amount of isolation that's needed for a true romantic getaway.

Letting that adrenaline flow. Some girls are just as adventure-prone as most guys. If you fall into this category, the mountains will likely provide more opportunities to boost those adrenaline levels and satisfy your craving for a taste of the outdoors. Still, don't forget that beach bum activities like wakeboarding and scuba diving often appeal to thrill-seekers as well.

Nature enthusiasts almost always get a kick out of going to the mountains, and are usually willing to pass up a trip to the beach. However, if you're worried about all of the critters that might make their way into a campground, you might want to pack your tanning lotion instead of a tent and hightail it to the nearest oceanside hotspot.

Summer is the best time to expose yourself to the spontaneous frivolities of life and go with the flow - even if it's only for just a day or two. Of course, the life-altering conclusions you make when the liberating days of this season expire are totally dependent on how you ride the wave of warm-weather festivities. Would you rather waste away the hot weekend by dreaming about the hunk in the office across the hall while chowing down on tubs of ice cream? Or are you the type who'd much rather embark on girls-only adventure that would put Thelma and Louise to shame?

Before the migrating birds make the final call for a summer's end, there are certain things you should set out to do. This way, you can convince yourself that you've actually accomplished something - even if you're the only one who gives a hoot.

Get that perfect tan. You'll want to spend at least a week at the beach, with ample amounts of sunscreen, to craft that ideal tan. By summer's end you should have a flawless tone that will surely turn some heads in your direction. This is an accomplishment that any girl should be proud of, as we all know it's not so easy!

Spend the entire day in bed. On those weekends when it's too darn hot out or raining cats and dogs, most of us don't even want to even think about stepping outside. Sometimes it's simply necessary to cuddle up with your favorite pillow and spend the entire day watching soap operas or Montel Williams.

Standon a peak. Whether it's the tallest skyscraper in the city or the grandest mountain in the state, having an aerial view of your hometown can make for quite the memorable experience. Of course, you'll need the perfect camera to commemorate your brief moment of personal triumph.

Forgo the diet, if only for one meal. No matter how firm you are about shedding those extra pounds, summer is the best time to abandon ship for a day and fill your belly with a forbidden dinner or two. Encourage your man to take you to the finest restaurant in town to satisfy your cravings.

Have a wild night out with the girls. Even if your lives are steering in various directions, warm summer nights are the best time to gather your partners in crime and party like there's no tomorrow. Just be sure to dance on a few countertops while you're at it.

Summer might be your opportune moment to forget about the stresses of everyday life and let those good times roll. After seizing the moment, you might be surprised by how much you learn about yourself.

Are you the type of gal who needs an active mind to keep you interested in a guy? If this is the case, there might be nothing worse than hanging out with a dull dude who can only handle conversations about cars and some of the unfortunate women who had to put up with him before you came along. If you prefer someone who can recite Shakespeare sonnets without missing a beat, you might need to put in a little extra effort to score a date with this kind of suitor.

Although it might be easy to garner the attention of most other guys, the sophisticated type is much harder to intrigue. If you happen to spot an intellectual hunk while out and about, there are certain things to do if you want to get him to lift his head from the poetry collection he's reading.

Subtlety is the key. When trying to attract an intellect, the worst thing you can do is blabber in his ear with the hope that he'll notice your good looks and ignore the incessant chatter. Although many guys out there might be shallow, the typical intellect is a little pickier. If you do something subtle, he might actually notice. You should consider pulling the "oops I dropped my pen near your feet" trick. Any true gentleman will surely bend down to pick it up and, if you're lucky enough, say something witty to show his interest.

Play hard to get. Any simpleminded person can make flirting an obvious gesture. When trying to retain an intellect's interest, it's important to make sure you hide your mating rituals behind witty remarks that could go either way. Sophisticated guys always enjoy a good challenge, and a smart approach is the best way to get him wrapped around your finger.

Go along with educated discussions. If he opens up a discussion about stuff that's completely over your head, like the philosophy of Socrates or his preference for Mozart, just embrace it and act as if you know exactly what he's talking about. Say as little as possible (in an effort to hide your ignorance), but keep the conversation moving.

If it takes a guy with a little bit of culture to tickle your fancy, cleverness is likely the only way to get him to notice you. Approaching him with a strategy that's worthy of the mightiest queen in all the land is the best way to get yourself a date with Prince Charming.

If you're scouring the pet stores for a companion, whether it's because of a crippling breakup that left you itching for something to cuddle with other than bed sheets or because you want to be a parent without going through the pains of labor or diaper changes, you'll first want to consider what type of furry friend is best for you. For some, this might be a simple decision, but animal lovers often can't make up their minds. Although it might be cool to own every type of pet you can think of, you probably don't want a house or apartment that resembles a jungle.

The most common decisions are obviously cats and dogs, but choosing a specific breed is a completely different matter. Cat breeds are a little easier because they're not as emotional and behaviorally versatile as dogs - in other words, they're not as high maintenance. If the feline you choose is too wild for the household, you can just keep her outside and she'll come running every time that dinner bell rings - but if you opt for a canine, you should probably do some research and find out which breed you can handle without having a nervous breakdown. Here are just a few of the canine personalities that might be right up your alley.

Great Dane. If you're the type of gal who likes horses, a Great Dane is a perfect compromise. The sheer size is enough to please anyone who doesn't mind a little horseplay, as these dogs are often very fun-loving and playful - although they can be quite the couch potato as well.

Beagle. Sheer brilliance is the best feature of the dog who howls like there's no tomorrow. Beagles are arguably among the smartest - but most stubborn - breeds out there. If you prefer a dog who'll dive into you the moment you come home, beagles pack a heck of a punch considering their size.

Chihuahua. Sometimes referred to as pocket rats, Chihuahuas are the little yappers that one can fit in a purse and carry around all day, especially to the salon. If you want a pet that you can play dress-up with, the Chihuahua is it - the breed's sole function is to be cute and cuddly.

Choosing a pet isn't always as simple as strolling to the store window and pointing one out like a pastry at a coffee shop. Figure out which breed is best suited for your own personality, because what they say might be true - dogs are really people with short legs and fur coats.